By Byeong
What does it really mean to be an example? Can anyone become an example? If so, how? Is it easy?
Among the four principles of PACE—Prayer, Availability, Contact, and Example—I believe that Example is the most difficult.
Prayer can be learned. Availability requires willingness. Contact requires action. But becoming an example requires something much deeper: our whole life.
An example is someone who demonstrates a life worth following. It is a life that people can see, respect, imitate, and be influenced by. The ultimate purpose of being an example is not to draw attention to ourselves, but to lead others closer to Christ.
The PACE Training Manual teaches that those who love God, love the church, and love people become examples. This is certainly true, but it is only the beginning. Genuine example goes beyond warm feelings and good intentions. It is revealed through a consistent lifestyle.
The greatest example, of course, is Jesus Christ. His life was marked by many qualities:
- He lived according to God’s Word.
- He obeyed the Father’s will completely.
- He loved people faithfully and unconditionally.
- He served others rather than seeking to be served.
- He willingly gave Himself for others.
Many Christians have sincere personal faith, but personal faith alone does not necessarily make someone an example in ministry. A person may attend church faithfully and have strong beliefs, yet hesitate to serve others, share with those in need, or step beyond a comfortable, self-centered lifestyle.
Ministry requires faith that is expressed through action.
What, then, is the ultimate example Jesus gave us?
I believe the answer is sacrifice.
Jesus gave not only His time, energy, and love—He gave Himself completely. He did not live to accumulate possessions or pursue personal comfort. Instead, He willingly gave everything for the sake of God’s kingdom and for the salvation of others.
Some may say, “That was the first century. We live in a different world today.”
Our circumstances have changed, but the principle has not.
We are still called to place God’s kingdom above our own possessions, ambitions, and comfort. Certainly, we must provide for our families and meet our basic responsibilities. Scripture affirms that responsibility. But a deeper question remains:
How much of our lives are we willing to surrender for God’s work?
That is why I believe Example is the most challenging part of PACE.
Prayer may take a few minutes. Availability may require a decision. Contact may require a visit or a phone call. But Example requires us to live in such a way that our daily lives communicate the message we proclaim.
People are watching—not necessarily to criticize us, but because our lives speak.
There are also different levels of example. Some people are examples for only a short season—a few weeks, a few years, or during a particular ministry. Others remain faithful examples throughout their entire lives.
Men such as Dr. Melvin Steinbron, and above all Jesus Christ, became lifelong examples because their influence did not end when a particular task was completed. Their lives continued to speak.
A true example is contagious. One person’s faithful life can inspire another person to live faithfully. One person’s sacrifice can awaken another person’s willingness to serve. One person’s love for Christ can lead another person to love Christ more deeply.
That is the power of Example.
The final question we should ask is not:
“Did people admire me?”
It is:
“Did my life encourage someone to love Christ more deeply and serve others more faithfully?”
That is the kind of example every PACE minister should seek to become.
Example is not something we simply teach.
Example is something we live.